R91.1 – Solitary pulmonary nodule

Discover the clinical description, billing details, and commonly used R91.1 - Solitary Pulmonary Nodule codes. Learn about its diagnosis, synonyms, and evaluation methods.

By Katherine Ellison on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code
R91.1  – Solitary pulmonary nodule

R91.1 Diagnosis Code: Solitary pulmonary nodule

  • A solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) refers to a round or oval lesion that measures less than 3 centimeters in diameter and is completely surrounded by lung tissue.
  • These nodules are typically found incidentally on chest imaging, such as a chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan.
  • Most solitary pulmonary nodules are non-cancerous (benign) and may be caused by various factors, including infections, scars, inflammation, or non-infectious granulomas.
  • However, some SPNs can indicate lung cancer or other serious conditions, so further evaluation and diagnostic tests are necessary to determine their nature and potential malignancy.

Is R91.1 Billable: Yes

Yes, the ICD-10-CM code R91.1 is billable. Healthcare providers can use this code to document and bill for the diagnosis of a solitary pulmonary nodule encountered during a patient's care. Reimbursement and coverage for medical services related to evaluating and managing SPNs may vary depending on the payer, specific circumstances, and any associated procedures or tests performed.

Clinical Information

  • Solitary pulmonary nodules are typically discovered incidentally during routine chest imaging.
  • Diagnostic evaluation and management depend on the characteristics and size of the nodule, patient risk factors, and clinical judgment.
  • Key clinical considerations for SPNs include determining the likelihood of malignancy and deciding whether further investigations or interventions are necessary.

Additional tests commonly used in the evaluation of SPNs include:

  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
  • CT-guided biopsy or needle aspiration
  • Follow-up imaging at specific intervals
  • Surgical excision or resection, if warranted

Factors that influence the evaluation and management of SPNs include:

  • Nodule size
  • Patient's age and medical history
  • Smoking history
  • Radiographic features of the nodule
  • Presence of symptoms or associated findings

Synonyms Include:

  • Solitary lung nodule
  • Pulmonary coin lesion
  • Solitary pulmonary mass
  • Solitary pulmonary opacity
  • Single pulmonary nodule

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Solitary Pulmonary

  • R91.2 - Nonspecific pulmonary infiltrate
  • R91.8 - Other nonspecific findings on diagnostic imaging of lung
  • R91.9 - Unspecified nonspecific finding on diagnostic imaging of lung
  • R94.2 - Abnormal results of cardiovascular function studies
  • R97.0 - Elevated cancer antigen 125 [CA 125]
  • R97.1 - Elevated cancer antigen 19-9 [CA 19-9]
  • R97.2 - Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA]
  • R97.8 - Elevated tumor markers
  • R97.9 - Elevated tumor marker, unspecified
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Commonly asked questions

What are the common tests used to evaluate a solitary pulmonary nodule?

Diagnostic tests commonly used to evaluate SPNs include chest imaging (X-ray, CT scan), PET scan, CT-guided biopsy, needle aspiration, and surgical excision or resection, if warranted.

Can a solitary pulmonary nodule be cancerous?

While most solitary pulmonary nodules are benign, some can be cancerous. Further evaluation, including diagnostic tests and clinical judgment, is necessary to determine their nature and potential malignancy.

Are there any risk factors associated with solitary pulmonary nodules?

Risk factors associated with SPNs include smoking history, older age, exposure to certain occupational or environmental hazards, and underlying lung conditions. However, SPNs can also occur in individuals without any apparent risk factors.

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